Excelsior vs. Fortuna Sittard Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 19 October 2025

Football enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an exciting Eredivisie clash at the Van Donge and De Roo Stadion as Excelsior host Fortuna Sittard on 19 October 2025 at 13:30. Both teams have had contrasting starts to the season with Excelsior languishing in 17th place with just 6 points, while Fortuna Sittard sit comfortably in 8th with 13 points. Under the watchful eye of referee Alex Bos, who’s known for an average of 4 yellow cards per game, the match promises to be intense.

History favours goals in this fixture. With Alex Bos in the middle and both teams’ recent form pointing towards frequent scoring, our recommended bet is Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes. Expect Szymon Wlodarczyk and Mohammed Ihattaren, both teams’ top scorers, to be key players.

Excelsior, despite being the bookmaker’s favourite, must tighten their defence, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. On the other hand, Fortuna Sittard’s attacking prowess, particularly in the final 15 minutes, should make this an enthralling encounter.

With strategic tactics and each team eager to climb the standings, this match could be more crucial than it seems. Don’t miss it!

Excelsior vs Fortuna Sittard Prediction & Betting Tip

Excelsior vs Fortuna Sittard Prediction
Betting tip
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes

This Eredivisie clash between Excelsior and Fortuna Sittard looks primed for goals at both ends. Excelsior, despite sitting in 17th place, have managed to score in recent matches but have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings while conceding 17 goals in eight games overall. Fortuna Sittard have found the net 13 times in eight matches but have similarly displayed defensive frailties, allowing 12 goals.

• Both teams have shown attacking intent but defensive weaknesses, increasing the likelihood of goals.
• Historically, three of their last five head-to-heads have seen goals from both teams.
• Recommended odds for BTTS are 1.62, reflecting the high likelihood of an open contest.

With each team keenly struggling at the back yet making gains in attack, the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market is a solid betting angle.

Excelsior vs Fortuna Sittard Odds

In this highly anticipated Eredivisie match between Excelsior and Fortuna Sittard, the odds are fairly balanced, reflecting the tight nature of this upcoming clash. Despite Excelsior struggling near the bottom of the table, bookmakers have them as slight favourites, while Fortuna Sittard, who are performing well in 8th place, carry decent odds for an away victory.

Excelsior vs Fortuna Sittard Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Excelsior win	2.23
Draw	3.51
Fortuna Sittard win	2.99

Excelsior’s odds show the advantage of playing at home, where they’ll look to exploit their familiar surroundings to climb out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Fortuna Sittard’s respectable odds highlight their fairly strong start to the season and suggest that they are not to be underestimated in this matchup.

The odds indicate a likely close contest, with potential gains for bettors regardless of their choice.

Excelsior Team Analysis

Excelsior Recent Performance W-L-W-L-L

Excelsior’s recent run of form has been a rollercoaster, with just one win in their last five Eredivisie matches. They managed to snatch a 2-1 victory over FC Volendam on 20 September 2025 but have struggled otherwise. Their recent results include a 2-1 loss to SC Heerenveen, a narrow 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, a 1-0 loss to Sparta Rotterdam, and a solitary 1-0 win against Twente.

Recent Performances:

• Average goals scored: 1.00 in the last five games
• Clean sheets: Only 1 in their last five matches

With a defensive record showing 17 goals conceded in eight matches, Excelsior’s backline needs shoring up if they are to climb out of the relegation zone. Coach Ruben den Uil will likely look to tighten their defence while hoping that their attacking players can seize scoring opportunities.

The Van Donge and De Roo Stadion will be crucial for the side as they aim to make the most of their home advantage.

Excelsior Key Players

Excelsior will look to their top scorer, Szymon Wlodarczyk, who has netted 2 goals so far this season, to lead their attacking efforts. He will be pivotal in breaking down Fortuna Sittard’s defence. Alongside him, midfield dynamo Noah Naujoks and defensive stalwart Casper Widell will be essential in maintaining balance on both ends of the pitch.

Key Player Battles:

• Szymon Wlodarczyk vs Ivan Marquez: Wlodarczyk’s eye for goal will be tested against Marquez’s solid defending.
• Noah Naujoks vs Justin Lonwijk: The midfield battle could determine the game’s tempo, with Naujoks and Lonwijk as key playmakers.

Expected lineup for Excelsior:

• Goalkeeper: Stijn van Gassel
• Defenders: Ilias Bronkhorst, Casper Widell, Rick Meissen, Arthur Zagre
• Midfielders: Noah Naujoks, Adam Carlen, Irakli Yegoian, Gyan de Regt, Derensili Sanches Fernandes
• Forwards: Szymon Wlodarczyk

Excelsior Suspensions & Injuries

Excelsior may face some challenges with their squad depth due to injuries. Lennard Hartjes is currently dealing with a knee injury and is considered doubtful for the upcoming match against Fortuna Sittard.

Key Absentees:

• Lennard Hartjes – Knee injury (Potential return doubtful)

The absence of Hartjes, who contributes significantly in the midfield, may force coach Ruben den Uil to make tactical adjustments. Without Hartjes, Excelsior might struggle to control the midfield battle and could miss his defensive contributions.

There are no suspensions for Excelsior, allowing them to field their strongest possible lineup in the hopes of turning their season around.

Excelsior Tactics and Formation

Excelsior under coach Ruben den Uil are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup provides a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility.

Excelsior Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Szymon Wlodarczyk
• Midfield Duo: Noah Naujoks and Adam Carlen
• Attacking Trio Behind Striker: Derensili Sanches Fernandes, Irakli Yegoian, Gyan de Regt
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in the last five games

The team relies on Wlodarczyk for goals, supported by a dynamic midfield trio. The defensive unit, led by Casper Widell, needs to tighten up, having conceded 17 goals across eight matches. Excelsior tend to focus on maintaining possession and building from the back, exploiting the wings through Fernandes and de Regt to create scoring opportunities.

Fortuna Sittard Team Analysis

Fortuna Sittard Recent Performance W-L-W-L-W

Fortuna Sittard’s form has been quite mixed but promising in recent matches. Their last five Eredivisie games reflect this variability: They secured a 1-0 win against FC Volendam and another narrow 1-0 victory over FC Utrecht, alongside a convincing 3-1 triumph against Telstar. However, they did face setbacks, including a 3-2 loss to Twente and a 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord.

Recent Performances:

• Average goals scored: 1.40 in the last five games
• Clean sheets: 2 in their last five matches

Despite the inconsistencies, Fortuna Sittard have demonstrated their ability to both score and defend effectively. With 13 points snagged already, coach Danny Buijs will aim to solidify their position in the upper half of the table. Maintaining their attacking vigour while tightening defensive lapses could be crucial for their success against Excelsior.

Fortuna Sittard Key Players

Fortuna Sittard will be banking on their top scorer, Mohammed Ihattaren, who has netted 3 goals this season, to challenge the Excelsior defence. His flair and creativity will be vital in breaking down the opposition. Another key figure will be Dimitrios Limnios, whose pace and direct attacking style can cause troubles on the wings. In defence, Shawn Adewoye will be expected to marshal the backline and keep Excelsior’s forwards at bay.

Key Player Battles:

• Mohammed Ihattaren vs Casper Widell: Ihattaren’s skill and finishing against Widell’s defensive solidity.
• Dimitrios Limnios vs Arthur Zagre: Limnios’ speed on the right wing against Zagre’s defensive duties.

Expected lineup for Fortuna Sittard:

• Goalkeeper: Mattijs Branderhorst
• Defenders: Ivo Pinto, Ivan Marquez, Shawn Adewoye, Jasper Dahlhaus
• Midfielders: Ryan Fosso, Justin Lonwijk, Philip Brittijn
• Forwards: Dimitrios Limnios, Kaj Sierhuis, Kristoffer Peterson

Fortuna Sittard Suspensions & Injuries

Fortuna Sittard are dealing with several injury concerns that could impact their performance. Key absentees include:

• Ramazan Bayram: Knee injury (Potential return doubtful)
• Daley Sinkgraven: Knee injury (Potential return doubtful)
• Alen Halilovic: Ankle injury (Potential return doubtful)
• Samuel Bastien: Illness (Potential return doubtful)
• Syb van Ottele: Hamstring Injury (Potential return Late October 2025)

The absence of these players, especially in the midfield and defensive areas, might force coach Danny Buijs to adjust his tactical setup. The injuries, combined with the lack of depth on the bench, could challenge Fortuna Sittard’s consistency, but the team’s remaining key players are expected to step up.

Notably, there are no suspensions for the team, thus allowing them to field a strong lineup despite the injury woes.

Fortuna Sittard Tactics and Formation

Fortuna Sittard, under the guidance of coach Danny Buijs, are likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup allows for a balanced approach to both defence and attack.

Fortuna Sittard Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kaj Sierhuis
• Midfield Engine: Ryan Fosso, Justin Lonwijk
• Attacking Trio Behind Striker: Dimitrios Limnios, Philip Brittijn, Kristoffer Peterson
• Defensive Record: Two clean sheets in the last five games

Coach Buijs will aim to utilise the pace and creativity of Mohammed Ihattaren, their top scorer, to spearhead the attack and break down the Excelsior defence. The midfield, led by Lonwijk, will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game while the defence, marshalled by Shawn Adewoye, will need to remain solid against the home side’s attacking threats.

Expect Sittard to focus on quick transitions and exploiting the wings, particularly through Limnios’ pace, to create scoring opportunities.

Excelsior vs Fortuna Sittard Head-to-Head Statistics

When examining the recent encounters between Excelsior and Fortuna Sittard, there’s a clear indication of competitive and high-scoring matchups. Out of their last five meetings:

• Fortuna Sittard 5-2 Excelsior (03 March 2024): Fortuna Sittard dominated with a comprehensive win.
• Excelsior 2-2 Fortuna Sittard (26 August 2023): A tightly contested draw with goals on both ends.
• Excelsior 3-0 Fortuna Sittard (21 May 2023): Excelsior secured a convincing victory.
• Fortuna Sittard 1-0 Excelsior (17 September 2022): A narrow win for Fortuna Sittard.
• Fortuna Sittard 4-1 Excelsior (10 February 2019): Another commanding win for Fortuna.

These results indicate a fluctuating dynamic, with both teams capable of strong performances. More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 75% of Excelsior’s matches this season, hinting at another potentially high-scoring clash. Given the history, fans can expect an open and thrilling contest.

Odds accurate as of 17/10/2025 13:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.